My guest today is American poet and author Lynda Lambert who shares what is in her briefcase and purse, her fashion sense, a book close to her heart and dreams.
About Lynda Lambert
Lynda Lambert (b.1943) was born in Ellwood City,PA Her academic training is in Fine Arts and Literature. She was a professor of Fine Arts and Humanities until 2007 when her teaching career was cut short suddenly due to sight loss. Her art has been exhibited world wide since 1976.
Her first book _Concerti: Psalms for the Pilgrimage_ is a collection of essays, poems, and drawings she did over a 10 year period while teaching in Salzburg, Austria
Lynda McKinney Lambert lost much of her sight in the fall of 2007, cue to Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. She retired from teaching full-time a year later.
She writes and makes mixed-media fiber art full-time. She uses adaptive technologies for the blind to do her award-winning work. Lynda was determined to return to a creative life-style after her sudden sight loss. She went to live in a residency program for the blind for 3 months of intensive training. She attended the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services program in Pittsburgh, PA. in the spring of 2008.
Lynda enjoys daily walks with her husband and their 2 rescued dogs. They also have 2 cats and the couple care for a variety of feral cats that find food and a safe haven at their home. The couple have 5 great grandchildren, and 2 of them live just across the creek from their home.
Lynda with her great granddaughter, Bella who was in a school musical last fall.
Welcome Lynda and the first question is…How would you describe your fashion sense?
I described my fashion sense in a poem that’s in my latest book, Walking by Inner Vision: Stories & Poems.” The poem is “Adornment.” The poem was inspired by a friend who once told me, “I want to wear all of my jewelry at one time. I want to adorn myself with it all.” When I wrote the poem, it was a mixture of her sentiments, combined with my own passion for finely crafted accessories – hats, shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry. I buy wearable artist-made works or high-end designer creations.
Here Lynda at the convention of the American Printing House for the Blind. Receiving an award by the president of American Printing House for the Blind for First Place in the exhibition InSights17. And I think this perfectly reflects her fashion sense.
Knowing now, what you didn’t know then, what would you have done differently?
As a teenage girl in rural western Pennsylvania, I had a subscription to Harper’s Bazaar. I knew the name of every model and designer. This magazine was my dream world – I lived in it!
In my 40’s, I lived briefly in California where I worked evenings and weekends for Neiman Marcus. It is my single most memorable work experience. I was in heaven, for I loved high-end sales more than anything I ever did in my life. But, at that time, I was in the process of completing my 3rd degree and had to return to campus in PA to finish that. I had only 1 semester left to finish the MA in English, or, lose the 5-year period of work I completed for the degree. I’ve always wished I could have remained at NM for my entire career, but I was committed to completing my final academic goal.
What are the five things that you would always find in your handbag or briefcase?
During my final year of intense work on the rigorous MFA degree in Painting at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) I was a strange sight. Why? I knew I needed to start presenting a professional appearance in preparation for achieving my Plan A goal of becoming a professor. I quit carrying a back pack and purchased a handsome burgundy leather brief case.
After the MFA, I became Executive Director of a regional art. However, Plan A was to become a professor, so I was never satisfied
Plan A did become my reality when I accepted a tenure track position. I was professor of fine arts and humanities at a private college in Pennsylvania, until my retirement in 2008. This provided me with time to pursue my writing and art exhibitions world-wide.
Now, as a retired woman, I carry a variety of handbags that hold my wallet; lipstick which is a necessity; a little leather case I bought in Venice, that holds my house keys; my Betsy Johnson colorful sunglasses; 2 Visa cards.
Describe the strangest dream you’ve ever had.
I am a dreamer of everything irrational. I barely close my eyes and I am deep into a netherworld. I do not have pleasant dreams, usually. The most pleasant dreams I have, though, are when I am flying – I am untethered and free in flight.
My dreams are full of danger, drama, and situations that are terrifying and with no way of escape. I seldom have a dream that I would want to return to. Sleeping has never been a pleasure for me. I have severe sleep apnea and even with a c-pap, I am up all during the night. I usually work during the night, from 3-5 am since I cannot sleep. I don’t nap very often, for I have the same sort of absurd dreams.
Here is a link to a poem I wrote about my dreams. You can hear me reading it on this recording: http://www.lyndalambert.com/dreams-who-needs-them/
What is your all-time favorite book that you have read? And why?
Available Amazon
My favorite book would be Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis. (Link is included below) I also have a study guide for it – but I never taught this book in a classroom when I was teaching.
I read it for the first time in the early 1980s. I entered into a mythological world that enchanted me completely. The story consumed me. The book is a re-telling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. This story is one of my favorites along with the story of Persephone; also, of Eurydice and Orpheus – Greek mythology and other early writings are influences in my own writing and often set the historical context of my poems and essays. I like to go back to primary sources and trace down the time and place where an idea begins. Historical context is very important to me – for the credibility and deep meaning of ideas. They all have roots somewhere, and I try to locate them. (Lynda McKinney Lambert)
Link to information on these myths:: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpheus_and_Eurydice
Books by Lynda McKinney Lambert
About Walking by Inner Vision
In this second collection, Pennsylvania artist, teacher, and author Lynda McKinney Lambert invites readers into her world of profound sight loss to discover the subtle nuances and beauty of a physical and spiritual world.
She takes strands from ancient mythology, history, and contemporary life and weaves a richly textured new fabric using images that are seen and unseen as she takes us on a year-long journey through the seasons.
All stories in this book were created after her sudden sight loss in 2007 from Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Lambert invites us to see the world with new eyes.
One of the reviews for the book
Lynda fills this book with encouraging stories about things she loves including art, her beloved family, knitting, and poetry. Knowing she’s legally blind and accomplishing so much makes me really respect her as an author. She is living her life to the fullest no matter what! My favorite chapter is “The Living Room”, which focuses upon her sweet mother holding tightly onto family, memories, and Christmas traditions.
Also by Lynda McKinney Lambert
Discover more about Lynda’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Lynda-McKinney-Lambert/e/B003960PUC
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lynda-McKinney-Lambert/e/B003960PUC
Connect to Lynda
Website and blog: http://www.lyndalambert.com/
Blog: www.llambert363.blog
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndamckinneylambert
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/walkingbyinnervision
I will leave you with this lovely photograph of Lynda and her husband and a temporary house guest who know lives with their daughter. I now Lynda would love to hear from you. Thanks for dropping by. Sally
Sally and Lynda, such a nice thing to have you both together. Next time, ask Lynda about her motorcycle.
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Well, the motorcycle, my Blue Dragon, is no longer in my possession. Finally, I faced the fact that I would not be driving it any longer, and I gifted it to my daughter. My Blue Dragon now lives in Burlington, KY. But, oh, yes, I have STORIES! lol Even had a supernatural event one night.
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Sounds like a series of posts in the making Lynda…
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Lynda, this Blue Dragon sounds like a story in the making. Would love to hear about your riding it and what adventures you had.
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Thanks Patty.. hugs
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Youâre so very welcome.
Lynda is another of my totally talented Tell-It-To-The-World Marketing clients and it is wonderful to see her here.
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Thanks Donna.. I have suggested a series of posts..hugs
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Patty always tells me “just be yourself.” She says to write about what we know and who we are and not to follow anyone else’s way of working – just be ourselves. I honestly believed I nothing to write about when I sat down to begin writing my last book. And, you know how we face that Inner Critic, that emerge to verify it.
But, when Stevie gave me 20 questions a few days ago, all of a sudden there was a question that brought my motorcycle adventure to my consciousness – and I included it in the story.
Now that you all have brought this theme to my creative mind – well, let’s just say I had LOTS of adventures on my motorcycle – some are hilarious and some sobering. I earned my motorcycle driving license when I turned SIXTY.
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That is amazing Lynda and a fabulous story… hugsx
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This was a marvelous interview. What an interesting read! Thank you, Sally.
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Thanks, Jennie, for your kind comment. So nice of you to share your thoughts here. I am glad to meet you.
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You’re welcome, Lynda. My pleasure.
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Thanks Jennie.. I enjoyed meeting Lynda too.. xx
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You’re welcome, Sally.
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Thank you so much for the fantastic interview, Sally! This was truly my pleasure and I am pleased to meet so many new people – new friends. Thank you all for the “likes” and for your comments. I will be happy to respond to any questions or comments. I appreciate this opportunity to get to know you all.
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My pleasure Lynda and I am just about to boost to those who have just woken up… thank you for being a great guest. hugs
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Enjoyed reading this interview and learning more about Lynda. She has written a most fascinating article for my new anthology ‘Understanding’.
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Hi, Iâve been following that and cannot wait until it comes out.
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I’m waiting for a few more articles to arrive – should be within the next couple of months hopefully.
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Well Iâll be waiting.
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Fantastic Stevie… not sure if you are looking for any more articles? I do have one that might fit the criteria…hugsx
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Hi Sally, what is it about?
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I think Debby thought that my take on my first wedding with all the bells and whistles that was doomed to failure and then the small civil ceremony with witnesses and a pub lunch might fit the criteria..xxx
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I’ve got a wedding ceremony article, and am trying to publish different stories. So … how about one focusing on weight loss and how you managed to achieve it?
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Certainly..did you want to send me your 20 questions? Or word count etc..you have my email.. xxx
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I’ll send some questions, but can’t find your email address. There’s no word count – just scribble away.
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will email you Stevie..xx
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And, Stevie, I thank YOU for the opportunity to share my story with your readers of the upcoming anthology. You have opened up an entirely new awareness in me for stories that I had not even thought about until I read your questions. Isn’t the blogging community so wonderful?
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It is!
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I enjoyed meeting Lynda, Sally. I laughed at her comments about adornment, they reminded me of my mom. I bought my mom a cushion once that read “If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour.” She loves scarves, hats, jewelry, shoes and everything else you can think of.
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Thanks Robbie.. I am with your mum on that.. especially as shows in my size that fit are hard to come by… ♥
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OH, your MOM and I could go shopping together. What a wonderful day we would have in the SHOE Department: the JEWELRY Department; the HANDBAG Department; YES, the SCARVES Department; and we could even stop at EPICURE at Neiman’s for LUNCH to survey our purchases together. Oh, and did I say the HAT Department, too? Yes, we cannot go hatless when we attend ART EXHIBITIONS. Thanks for your kind and very amusing response. We are who we are.
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What an amazing woman, Sally. Incredible what she has accomplished!
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Ho nice of you to say that, Joy. I appreciate your kind comment. Thank you!
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I know Joy.. fabulous..xxx
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Reblogged this on SCAN-a-BLOG and commented:
thank you, Sally Cronin, for such a nice writeup in Smorgasbord Magazine Blog today. I am honored to be part of The Sunday Interview series. I’ll be sharing this article on my Social Media and my 2 blogs today, too. The magazine is just gorgeous!
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Thank you Lynda and you are welcome any time… Enjoy the week. hugs
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What an inspiring interview ladies. I love your zest for life Lynda and your love of fashion.
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Thanks Brigid.. lovely photos show that so well.. xx
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An artist, a writer AND loves cats! Are you sure you aren’t an Angel?
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May be Lynda is Annette..hugsx
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uh, I don’t think I know Annette?
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I haven’t come across any interview, which is as interesting and inspiring as this one! Thanks for sharing Sally and Lynda.
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That is great to hear Balroop thank you..hugsx
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What a great compliment – Balroop2013. All of the amazing feedback really is wonderful and I stand in amazement with the kindness of everyone who has posted here. The comments are certainly a bright spot in my day. Hugs to you all.
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Hi Lynda and Sally, what a great interview. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Annie.. glad you enjoyed.
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Annie, thanks for the comment. With your newly published book, I know you are so busy. Congrats on another big achievement in your writing life.
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Lynda, itâs spring and so weâre all coming to life with new and wondrous things.
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What a nice interview. Here’s a link to my review of Walking by Inner Vision, which I posted on my blog soon after the book came out.
https://abbiescorner.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/thursday-book-feature-walking-by-inner-vision/
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Great thank you Abbie..hugsx
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Thank you, Abbie, for posting your interview. Abbie was the first author to write an interview on my book when it came out. It was a surprise and I just love what she did with it. Just about everything in my book was written after sight loss. This is how I began to turn a disability into something positive and worthwhile. Between re-learning how to use a computer again, and making adaptations so I could continue to make art – it kept me pretty busy. I was on a MISSION to regain my SELF. The first thing I did was to start a blog because I wanted to communicate with others because I was isolated from everything, it seemed.
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An inspiring achievement Lynda. I am in awe of the work done by sight impaired authors. Not just producing amazing books but navigating around social media and blogging. Sight is something most of us take for granted and I certainly appreciate mine a great deal more. hugs
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Wow, worldwide art exhibitions, where was your favorite art exhibition held? What is your favorite country visited?
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Butterfly, one that was very special to me was that I was one of 8 American printmakers selected for an exhibition in Osaka, Japan – and my work was selected for the Ambassador’s residence in Paupau, New Guinea through the Art in Embassy program through the US Department of State.
Favorite country for me is Austria because I taught there every summer for years. I took students on month-long travel-study courses, “Drawing and Writing in Salzburg.” I took students on trips to a number of different countries and that was always exciting to see them making new
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Lynda, may I say, congratulations on so many successes, and especially afor all the conversation youâve generated here.
Learning all these things about you and others is wonderful.
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Nice to meet you 💜
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Willow, thanks! Very nice to meet you as well.
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Always good to meet new people 💜
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Nice to meet and learn about Lynda here. I think we could possibly enjoy clothes shopping together, lol. 😉 ❤
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Thank you Debby.. love her style and colours.. ♥
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For sure! ❤
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That just might be fun! Thanks for your comment dgkaye. Where might we go and what would we be looking for? When I am in art exhibitions, I like to wear something that matches the art work that I have in the show. This way it all looks good in photos.
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Markets, I love markets to find unusual things. I like your style Lynda! 🙂
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Looks like you made a new artist friend.
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🙂 🙂
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That sounds like a lot of fun!
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To fully confess, the German shepherd puppy caught my eye ( I have two GSD’s and love the breed) and then I read this inspiring post! I am so impressed! Thank you for the mention of the C.S. Lewis book. And that this gorgeous writer lived in California is something I can relate to, as I have lived in Malibu, now, for 20 years. This is a fantastic post! What a shining spirit our Lynda McKinney Lambert is!
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Well, your comment on the photo just proves what I’ve been telling my clients that Lynda has gotten well. Photos help draw readers. Some blind writers forget this. I’m always asking for photos to be included, and glad to see Lynda took my advice to heart. She is a fabulous writer, and I hope those who have never read her will do so.
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I agree Claire.. an amazing artist and author with such an interesting background. And you know me and dogs.. I think everyone should have a photograph with one for their profile.. I am sure it would do wonders for booksales! hugsx
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What an amazing, inspiring woman, Sally! Thank you for sharing!
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Very much so Jan.. hugsx
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